GO GLAM:

BLACK & WHITE

By Jill Newman

Rihanna and J.Lo know how to make a dramatic entrance, and most recently did so wearing dazzling black and white diamond Nikos Koulis jewels.

Ultra glamorous, this graphic two-tone jewelry trend is the best way to elevate your holiday style this season. It also makes for a great gift: everyone is looking for a reason to get dressed up and celebrate.

“Striking and chic, black and white has always been the go-to for evening dressing, and it translates perfectly in diamond jewels,” says jewelry editor and stylist Will Kahn, who says it’s black and white jewels are here to stay.

LiBlack and white diamond jewelry is strong, sophisticated, and modern. It echoes the wildly popular Art Deco-style jewelry of the 1930s, which was defined by streamlined, bold and graphic designs.

Innovative and Unexpected Diamond Jewelry

Today’s two-tone jewelry features edgy and innovative techniques and materials, such as shiny black ceramic or matte iron. It’s the juxtaposition of finish, form and texture that gives these jewels a contemporary, fresh appeal.

That dramatic look was recently spotted on actress Jodie Comer who appeared in Vhernier’s eye-catching white diamond and black rhodium-plated earrings at the Paris premiere of her new film The Last Duel. Vhernier has pioneered new jewelry materials to create large-scale pieces that are surprisingly lightweight and elegant; plus they always feature strategically placed diamonds. The jeweler’s geometric earrings and necklaces succeed at strength that doesn’t overpower.

Jewelry designers are setting white diamonds in dark metals and materials for high-contrast and high drama. Greek designer Nikos Koulis is known for positioning large colorless diamonds in sleek, high-polish black enamel earrings, rings, and necklaces. A celebrity favorite, his clients like to pile on layers of pieces because one is never enough.

Black and white jewels also serve as an androgynous look, and are a great option for the person who doesn’t like to sparkle too much. Great examples are Italian jeweler Fabio Salini’s diamonds set in understated and lightweight carbon fiber. The famous Munich-based jeweler Hemmerle sets some of the world’s most exceptional diamonds in more ordinary and industrial iron and brass—however the results are anything but ordinary.

Diamond Jewelry Gifts That Stand Out

From bright and blingy to elegant and understated, the black and white diamond trend ticks every box. Pieces from Bayco boldly showcase diamonds , while Nancy Newberg and David Yurman offer sleek blackened metal pieces with a subtle sprinkling of white diamonds.

Style Tips From The Pros

Celebrity stylist Law Roach says the black and white jewelry trend works for everyone, but you should adapt it to your individual style and mood. “The combination of black and white can be so glamorous, but don’t take it too seriously,” says Roach, whose clients include Zendaya, Demi Lovato and Mary J Blige. “Try pairing black and white jewelry with black and white patterns for a ‘duo-chromatic’ look.”

Will Kahn says all you need is one fabulous black and white jewel to make a statement. “Other trends are suited for layering; the black and white style stands out alone in a singular statement.” He noted that while it looks great with all-black attire, it also pairs well with evening colors like red, gold, teal and even midnight blue. It’s not just for evening. Black and white diamonds are elegant and smart, so these flexible jewelry styles also work with a tailored suit for daywear—or even everyone’s favorite jeans and a t-shirt.